CALL FOR ARTISTS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Erin Conmy, Historic Richmond Foundation's Quoit Club Coordinator, 804-869-5763 or Sarah Cooleen, Historic Richmond Foundation's Director of Development at 804.643.7407x18, scooleen@historicrichmond.com

HISTORIC RICHMOND FOUNDATION SEEKING 25 LOCAL ARTISTS TO CREATE PICTURE FRAMES OUT OF HISTORIC BUILDING MATERIAL FOR SILENT AUCTION FUNDRAISER

August 24, 2004, Richmond, VA -- Historic Richmond Foundation (HRF) and The Dementi Gallery have partnered for the Second Annual Frame Design Contest to benefit HRF. HRF is looking for 25 local artists to create frames using historic building materials for vintage photographs from Richmond's Dementi Studio. The finished artists' frames will be on display the Silent Auction fundraising event to be held at the Science Museum of Virginia's rotunda on January 20th at 6:30.

"Ten Richmond artists participated last year and created wonderful unique pieces of art that captured the unique architectural character of Richmond. We were able to raise awareness about the wealth of historic architecture in our city in a new and different way," said Sarah Cooleen, Director of Development and Special Projects manager for HRF.

Dementi Studio participated in last year's event. Wayne Dementi, owner of The Dementi Gallery, said, "It was born out of the love of Richmond architecture and its preservation." "It also offers The Dementi Gallery a means for combining creative, non-traditional framing styles with traditional black and white photography."

The contest offers local artists a means for showcasing their talent. Artists who have entered the contest range from sculpture and photography students from the Virginia Commonwealth University to long-time residents and artists in the Richmond area.

About the Art of Richmond Fundraiser
The concept for the Art of Richmond developed last year out of a joint venture between two local Richmond entrepreneurs, Wayne Dementi and Kristy Ford. Their partnership began in 2002 with the creation of the Richmond Ornaments, a set of pewter ornaments framed around historic black and white images of city legends and landmarks. Kristy, formerly of C.L. Ford Jewelers, and Wayne, of Dementi Studio, decided to expand their partnership the following year and open a gallery that celebrated original prints, gifts, and jewelry of Richmond. This year The Dementi Gallery will be working with Historic Richmond Foundation to create this unique fundraiser.

About Historic Richmond Foundation
Founded in 1956, HRF continues to be one of the most critical institutions in preserving Richmond's historic architectural heritage. Major projects include the 4-phase comprehensive restoration of Monumental Church (c1812), maintaining and actively marketing the sale of the National Theatre (c1924), pursuing funding for a structural assessment of the Byrd Park Pump House (c1890), and the revitalization of historic Monroe Ward district. HRF is located in the renovated Allen Double house, an 1836 Greek Revival gem located at 4 East Main Street. Through their Quoit Club, HRF offers exclusive access and tours of Richmond's most historic sites undergoing restoration.

Artist Participation Information
Two events in September will be held for artists selected to participate (dates and times to be announced) to pick from a wide variety of architectural salvage material to use in their frames.

Interested artists should contact Historic Richmond Foundation for details.

All entries become the property of the Frame Design Contest and will be displayed and sold during the fundraiser. All proceeds will go directly to HISTORIC RICHMOND FOUNDATION.

Prizes will be awarded. First prize will be $150.00, Second $100.00 and Third $75.00. There will be honorable mentions awarded.

Historic Richmond Foundation would like to thank Caravati's Salvage Yard andRestoration Builders of Virginia for donation salvage material.

Historic Richmond Foundation - The William Byrd Branch of APVA Preservation Virginia